EyeCon 2025: Julie Rodman, OD, MSc, FAAO, FORS, on extended dosing strategies in neovascular retinal disease

Extended dosing intervals are changing the management of neovascular retinal disease, providing patients with both clinical benefits and an improved quality of life. Julie Rodman, OD, MSc, FAAO, FORS, professor of optometry and Chief of the Broward Eye Care Institute at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will be among the faculty at an upcoming CE Spotlight Symposium on September 27 titled, Evolving Strategies for Extended Dosing in Neovascular Retinal Disease – From Data to Decision-Making. Rodman will be joined by Sruthi Arepalli, MD, of Emory University School of Medicine, and Nicholas Yannuzzi, MD, of the University of Miami Health System. The symposium is part of the Optometry Times and Ophthalmology Times EyeCon® 2025 conference, taking place at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, on September 26 and 27, 2025.

In advance of the symposium, the Eye Care Network spoke with Rodman to discuss extended dosing schedules, strategies for integrating these approaches into patient care, and how such strategies can help reduce treatment burden while maintaining effective outcomes for individuals with neovascular retinal disease.

To learn more about or to register for EyeCon 2025, click here.

Transcript: Edited lightly for clarity and length.

Extended dosing intervals are a major focus in neovascular retinal disease management today. From an optometrist’s perspective, what do you see as the most meaningful impact of these evolving strategies on patient care and quality of life?

Julie Rodman, OD, MSc, FAAO, FORS: It is often very difficult for my elderly patient to get to their appointments with the retina specialist. Whether it is a transportation issue, depending on family members or financial issues... having extended dosing intervals is a promising and exciting advancement in the field. This would relieve a lot of the patient burden.

Clinical trial data often guide dosing protocols, but real-world practice can look quite different. How do you balance translating trial evidence into individualized decision-making for your patients?

Rodman: I always try and talk about the clinical trial data to emphasize the success of extended dosing. However, I am also cautious to remind patients that adherence to guidelines (as set forth in the clinical trials) is critical to success.

As retina specialists and optometrists collaborate in co-managing patients, what role do you see for the optometrist in monitoring extended dosing regimens and ensuring continuity of care?

Rodman: With these extended dosing options, it makes sense to alternate care between optometry and retina. If the optometrist identifies something in between injections, referral and communication with the retina specialist can be initiated in a timely manner.

With new therapeutics and longer-acting agents emerging, how should optometrists update their clinical knowledge and conversations with patients to reflect these advancements?

Rodman: Optometrists need to stay aware of the latest advancements in the field through continuing education, self-study and conversations with retina specialists and colleagues in the field.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of treatment strategies for neovascular retinal disease, and where do you think the biggest opportunities lie for improving patient outcomes?

Rodman: We are fortunate to practice at a time when new and emerging treatments are consistently evolving. I am super excited about the ability to spread out time between treatment as I know that these new longer lasting drugs will change the landscape of the disease. I also look forward to new developments in gene therapy for retinal diseases.